Start your Charming Villages of Normandy tour at Honfleur. A charming little town situated at the mouth of the Seine that immediately enchants the visitors by revealing its charming fishing and sailing port, its old picturesque narrow streets, and its old timber-framed or slate-fronted houses. Wander around the harbour and up and down the wiggly cobble stone streets full of jewelry and antique shops. Discover the Sainte-Catherine church, a magnificent wooden building of the 15th century, the largest one in France made of wood!
Then drive up until Trouville, a small town separated from Deauville by the River Touques. This historic fishing village became a leading seaside resort far before its famous neighbour. As sea bathing caught on in the first half of the 19C, it attracted a crowd of artists in search of rest and inspiration. More family-friendly than Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer, with its hundred-year-old villas facing the sea, has retained the authentic charm of yesteryear, to the delight of its visitors. Stroll around its beach and boardwalk and check out the unmissable extravaganza of the Casino.
A small walk from Trouville takes you to Deauville. The town was founded by the duc de Morny in 1860. Although first developed as a seaside resort, the renown of Deauville also owes much to its horse-racing tracks and related activities. The town is home to a casino, a marina and enchants with the typical Norman houses and the town centre architecture so well maintained. Admire the former Grand hotels in the Anglo-Norman timber-frame style. Finish your Charming Villages Normandy tour visiting around the rest of the town and don't forget the famous beach cabins on the Promenade des Planches where you will spot the names of celebrities that have gone to Deauville for the American Film Festival since 1975.
